Brake mechanism



vJuly 7,1936. y A, E @CONNOR 2,047,168

BRAKE MECHANI'SM Filed Jan. 16, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet l July 7, 1936- A A. F. O'CONNQR 2,047,168

BRAKE MECHAN ISM Filed Jan. 1e, 1935 4 sheets-sheet 2 lili Jly 7, 1936. A. F. OCNNOR BRAKE MECHANISM Filed Jari. le,

1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 vm/nyf: dft/abri. @Cannat @s @M n di ,Mmmm

July 7, 1936. A, F O'CQNNOR 2,047,168

BRAKE MECHAN ISM Filed Jan. 16, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented July 7, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BRAKE MECHANISM Arthur F. OConnor, Chicago, Ill., assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Union Asbestos & Rubber- Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois REISSUED Application January 16, 1935, serial No. 2,070

25 Claims.

- of simplified construction whereby the same'may be assembled at the factory at low cost and delivered ready for quick attachment as a unit to a railroad car with minimum labor and expense.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide an improved housing for brake winding mechanism of simple yet rugged construction, which is light, yet compact and, at the same time, provides great strength to resist the shocks and jars to which equipment of this character is subjected in service.

Another important object is to provide a frame, in which the tensioning mechanism of the brake operatingv apparatus may be quickly and easily assembled, said frame being of skeleton construction to reduce Aits weight yet adequately strong to perform4 its part supporting function, a casing adapted for assembly on the frame in order to enclose the parts carried by the frame, said .casing being of relatively inexpensive construction and material.

Another important object is to provide a braketensioning mechanism carried on a frame and a casing or housing adapted for assembly on the frame to provide an enclosure for the tensioning mechanism, said casing being .formed so that at least a part thereof is removable readily in order to uncover the mechanism and facilitate repair of the mechanism or the replacement of 4its parts.

Another important object is to provide braketensioning mechanism including a flexible wind- Ying element and a winding drum on which the element may be coiled, the Whole enclosed in a casing or housing and adaptedfor mounting as on a railway car, said'mechanism being formed and arranged to facilitate removal and replacement of the winding drum or the winding element Without detaching the remaining portions of the element from its mounting.

Another important object is to provide a relatively inexpensive railroad brake setting mechanism of low cost and having unusual strength for carrying the parts of the winding mechanism and the stresses induced during the Winding op: eration.

Another important object is to provide a railroad brake tensioning apparatus wherein the operating parts are mounted between a pair of rugged frame elements comprising spiders, preferably formed as castings, between which the operating elements of the mechanism may be quickly'and easily assembled and the spiders secured together with minimum eifort and expense in. fabricating the device. The construction also includes a relatively inexpensive sheet metal casing mounted on and carried by said spiders and thereof on the spiders so that the device provides l great strength for supporting the operating elelments 0i the mechanism and, at the same time,

provides a relatively inexpensive casing, which is adequate to perform its function of enclosing the operating elements and protect the same from the weather.

Another important object is to provide enclosed brake mechanism, including winding means and a housing enclosing the same and arranged so `25l that the housing may be readily removed to permit inspection of all parts of the winding mechanism Awithout dismantling the same, the winding means being supported in a frame which is not disturbed by theremoval of the casing part. This frame, may, of course, be disassembled to permit repair or replacement "of the winding means or any of the elements thereof. The winding mechanism also includes a part which most frequently-requires replacement and this is arranged in the frame to permit removal thereof from the assembly without disturbing the frame or the remaining parts of. the winding means. This arrangement consequently makes possible either the inspection of the Working parts or the replacement of parts while the device remains in place upon the car. From a safety standpoint, it is of great advantage to be able to inspect the condition of the working parts from time to time. However, where the brake mechanism, including the frame and housing are permanently riveted together, as in existing constructions, andthe mechanism is further vsecured together by the usual fouror more rivets byy which the unit is mounted to the car, it is impossible to inspect the mechanism Without removing the unit from the car and completely dismantling the same. The working mechanism, in structures which are permanently riveted or otherwise secured, may become altogether unsafe and unserviceable and since inspection is rendered diicult, due to the his permanent enclosure of the parts, such brakes constitute an actual menace to safety.

Numerous other objects, advantages, and inherent functions of the invention will be apparent from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is'a view in vertical section taken longitudinally through a railroad car showing my invention as mounted in operating position on the car.

Figure 2 is a front view of the device shown in Figure l.

Figures 3 and 4 are sectional views taken substantially and respectively along the lines 3 3 and 4-4 in Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a modified form of the device as illustrated inFigure Figure 6 is a perspective view of an axle-pulling instrument, which may be used with the device to aid in dismantling a part thereof.

Figures l and 8 are perspective views of frame elements utilized in the device of my present invention.

Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views of cooperating elements forming the enclosing casing.

Figure 11 is a front view of a brake construction embodying my invention and showing a modified construction of the housing to accommodate a high powered heavy duty brake.

Figures 12 and 13 are sectional views taken substantially along the lines |2-l2 and I3-I3 in Figure 11.

Figures 14 and 15 are perspective views of frame parts comprising the construction shown in Figure 11.

Figures 16 and 17 are perspective views of housing parts employed in the assembly shown in Figure 11. i

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate preferred modes of mounting the brake structure.

To illustrate my invention, I have shown on the drawings, a brake-operating mechanism I adapted for assembly as a unit in operating position as on a railroad car I3. The brake-operating mechanism comprises co-operating elements forming winding mechanism supported in a mounting comprising a housing for enclosing the winding mechanism and protecting the same from the weather as well as a frame of sufficient strength to carry the elements of the winding mechanism and sustain the stresses imparted thereto -as a result of its operation. The winding mechanism is adapted to be manually operated as by means of a hand wheel I5 in order to tension a fiexible element, such as a chain I1, which is connected to the brake rigging of the car in any suitable fashion.-

In the illustrated embodiments, the chain is attached to a draw rod I9, which, in turn, is connected to one arm of a tiltable bell crank 2|, carried on the car I3 and connected to transfer the movement of the pull rod I9 to a rod 23, which is connected for operating the brake rigging. Obviously, any preferred or equivalent means may be utilized for transferring the drawing effect of the chain I1 to the brake rigging although it is pref-v erable to utilize a transfer element or elements adapted to multiply the brake-applyingforce of the chain, this being accomplished, in the illustrated embodiment, by forming the bell crank with a winding surface 25 having a progressively diminishing radius, on which a flexible element 21, which connects with the drawing rod 23, is wound as the brake-applying movement is transferred to said draw rod.

The mounting, in which the winding mecha- 5 nism is assembled, preferably comprises a frame portion and a casing portion. The frame may be made in any convenient fashion to provide spaced frame portions, on and between which to mount the winding mechanism. The frame is preferably 10 made of cast metal, such as iron, and preferably comprises co-operating parts 29'and 3| of spiderlike construction. The part 29 may comprise a central strut-forming portion 33 formed with an embossment 35 near its lower end, said embossment containing a preferably non-circular shaftreceiving perforation 31 having a flattened side 39. The upper end of the central strut 33 contains a preferably circular shaft-receiving opening 4I The frame element 29 includes a pair of legs 43 20 and 45 extending outwardly in opposite directions from the lower portion of the central strut 33 and a pair of arms 41 and 49 extending outwardly in opposite directions from the upper portion of the strut 33. A central projection 44 also may be 25 formed at the upper end of the strut 33 between the arms 41 and 49. The arm 41 has a shaftreceiving perforation 42 and both the legs 43 and 45 and the arms 41 and 49, at their extremities, are provided with perforations 5| and 52 adapted 30 to receive fastening members, by which the device may be attached to the car I3. Each leg 43 and 45, at its extremity, also has a perforation 53 in spaced relationship with respect to the perforation 5|, While the arms 41 and 49 each have a 35 dowel 55 and perforations 51, for rivets or other fastening devices, spaced from the perforation 52 therein. The arms, legs, and central strutpreferably lie in a substantially common plane.

The frame element 3| also comprises a central portion or strut 59 having an embossment 6| at its mid-portions formed with a circular axle-receiving opening 63, corresponding with the opening 31 of the frame member 29. The frame element 3| has legs 15 and 11 and arms 19 and 8| .15 corresponding with the legs 43 and 45 and arms 41 and 49 of the element 29. Upwardly of the opening G3, the strut 59 is embossed inwardly as vat 61 and the legs,15 and 11 are also embossed inwardly at 68 so that the upper portions of the :lo strut, including the arms 19 and 8| and also the legs 15 and 11, are slightly offset inwardly with respect to the lower portions of the strut. The upper end of the strut 59 is formed with a second preferably circular axle-receiving opening 13 cor- 5.3 responding with the opening 4| of the frame member 29. The arm 19 also has an axle-receiving opening 16 corresponding to the opening 42 of the element 29. The legs 15 and 11, at their extremities, have offset portions 83 terminating in feet 85 corresponding with the ends of the legs 43 and 45 of the frame element 29, said feet having each a perforation 8G and a perforation 81 defined by an embossment 89, said perforations 86 and 81 respectively corresponding with the perl' forations 53 and 5I in the terminal portions of the legs 43 and 45 of the element 29.

The arms 19 and 8| at their extremities also have offset portions 9| terminating in feet 93 corresponding with the terminal portions of the r arms 41 and 49 of the element 29, said feet 93 each having a perforation 95, defined by an embossment 91, and perforations 98 and 96, said perforations respectively corresponding with the openings 52 and 51 and the dowels 55 in the terminal portion of the arms 41 and49. The frame element 3| also has an integral apron 99 extendingdownwardly between the legs 15 and 11 below the'axle-receiving opening 63. w The frame ,element 3| also may be formed at the jupper end of the strut portion 59 with an upwardly; extending flanged projection 14 between thearms 19 and 8|'. l

The casing preferably comprises a pair of relatively inexpensive cc-operating sheet metal portions |0| and |03, illustrated respectively in Figures 9, 10,16, and 17 ofthe drawings. The element |0.| forms a backing and comprises a substantially flat -sheet metal plate adapted to fit upon the upper inner surface ofthe element 29. At its lower corners, the plate is provided with perforations |05 and |01 corresponding with the perforations 5| and 53 in the legs 43 and 45 of the frame element 29. If desired, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the plate also may be provided with lugs |09 in its upper portions corresponding with the terminal ends of the arms 41 and 49 of the frame element 29, said lugs having perforations 5, 'and I! 3 corresponding respectively to the perforations 52, 51, and the dowels 55 of said arms. In the embodiment shown in Figures 16 and1'1,theopenings |I5, and ||3 are formed directly in the plate |0 The plate is also formed with an opening ||9 to receive the embossment 35 of the frame member 29 when the plate is assembled thereon and openings |2| and |22 corresponding with the openings 4| and 42.

The plate |0| also is preferably formed with upstanding flanges |23 atits opposite side edges and |25 along its upper edge there being openings |21 between the ends of the flange |25 and .the

adjacent ends of the anges |23 opposite the lugs.

|09 in the form shown in Figures 9 and 10.

The cover portion |03 comprises a sheet metal element comprising a relatively fiat front 29 and a preferably continuous marginal flange |3| extending rearwardly at the opposite side and top edges of the front. This-flange is notched 'as at |39 in the forms shown in Figures 9 and 10 to accommodate the outwardly extending feet 93 of the'frame element 43| as shown -in Figure 8.- The lower edge of the front |29 is extendedand curved as at |33 to conform with the shape of the apron .portion 99 of the frame member 3|. The cover portion |03 is adapted to iit upon the frame element 3| with the front portion |29 lying upon the surfaces of the portions 59, 15, 11, 19, and 8| of said element with the flange 3| lying upon the outer surfaces-of the offset portions 83 and 9| of said element and the fianged portion 14 of the frame engaging under the'middle of the flange |32 between the arms 19 and 8|. The front of the casing portion |03 also is offset as at |35 to conform with the offset arrangement of the strut 59 and of the legs 15 and 11. l

The casing portion |03 is provided with perforations |38'formed in theganged portion |3| near the opposite ends of said flanged portion and the frame 3| has emesponding'perforations 1l formed in the offset portions 83. `The flanged portion |03 may also have an inwardly extending lug |32 formed or secured thereon opposite the lug 14 so that the shell may be secured on the frame member 3i merely by inter-engaging the lugs |32 and 14 and applying the fasteners |4i.

' 'Ihe element |03 has perforations |43 and |34, which align with the perforations13 and 15 of the frame member 3| when the casing member is so mounted. The parts are assembled by placing the casing member itl on the inner surface of I ment.

the frame member 29 with the perforations |05 in alignmentwith the perforations 5| and by assembling the frame member 3| with its feet 85 resting on the corner portions of the plate so that the perforations 5|, 81, and |05 are in align- When so positioned, thefeet 93, in the form shown in Figures 1 through 10, extend in the'spaces |21 between the anges |23 and |25, and the ears |09, if provided, extend therebetween so that the perforations 52, 95, and are also in alignment. as are also the dowels 55, and the perforations 96 and ||3 and the perforations 51, 98, and I5. In the form shown in Figures 11 through 1 9, the feetA 93A extend entirely within the confines of the casing portions |0| and |03. In both forms, thefeet 93 of the element 3| register with the end portions of the arms`41 and 49 of the frame element 29. The parts are held in alignment by means of the dowels 55 fitting the openings 96 and I3 and are held .together by suitable fastening means, such as rivets, penetrating the aligned perforations 51, 9'8, and ||5, and the perforations 53, 39, and |01. It will be seen, from 'an inspection of Figures 2, 3, 11, and 12, that, when the parts are assembled, the peripheral portions of the flange y|3| overlie the flange portions V|23 and |25 of the backing |0| so that the casing elements |0| and |03 co-operate to form a substantially weather tight closure for the winding mechanism mounted between the frame portions 29 and 3|.

As heretofore mentioned, the winding mechanism is .supported entirelyl by and between the lframe elements 29 and 3|, which are of sufli'ciently rugged character to provide adequate strength for supporting the same and for receiving the .stresses and strains imparted thereto as a result of the brake-setting operation. The casing elements |0| and |03 are carried by the frame in position to snugly enclose the winding mechanism end portions |48 and |49, respectively, within the .l

drum and the gear |46 and adapted to receive bushings |5| in the opposite ends of the bearing whereby to rotatably mount the element on a' shaft |53. The opposed ends of the shaft |53 are secured respectively in the aligned openings 31 and 83 of the frame members 29 and 3 I, the shaft having a non-circular end including fiat side |55 to fit the edge 39 of the opening 31, so that the shaft |53 is non-rotatably supported by and between the frame elements 29 and 3|.

As shown in Figure 5,'the end of the shaft supported in the opening 83 may have a non-circular configurationsimilar to its other end so that both ends may be non-rotatably held. I prefer, however, to form the end of the shaft carried in the opening t3 in such a way that the entire shaft may be drawn out of the frame through the opening when the cover 03 is removed, said cover comprising a portion normally overlying the embossment 59 to prevent the shaft 'from being moved axially when the cover is in place. This arrangement is a simple expedient for accomplishing-the non-rotative ,mounting of the shaft and, moreover, facilitates the lassembly of the shaft between the frame elements, and also perthe car.

The winding drum |45 is formed to receive the tensioning element I1, one end of which is attached to an anchor pin |51 mounted in the drum. This pin may be a rivet fastened in the l winding drum, or may be a headed pin secured by a cotter, asshown. Where the pin and cotter arrangement is used, the pin may easily be removed from the winding drum, in order to detach the element I1, without dismounting the drum from the winding mechanism assembly. 'I'his may be accomplished merely .by dismounting the cover element |93 after removing the fasteners I4| and then rotating the drum to bring the head of the pin |51 opposite one or other of the openings |13 formed in the lower portions of the strut 59 below the axle opening 63 in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 through 10. These openings serve also to reduce the weight of the frame element 3| without sacrificing its strength. In the form shown in Figures 11 through 19, however, the openings |13 serve only to reduce Ithe -weight of the element 3|, a separate opening |15 being provided to permit the pin |51 to be withdrawn. The axle |53 also may be withdrawn from the bearings |5I, after the cover |63 is dismounted, by means of a drawing tool, shownv in Figure 6, having an end adapted to interilt in an opening |19 in the axle in order to draw the pin axially from its bearings to thus release the winding drum and driving gear.

The winding drum is arranged so that when the same is turned in a counter-clockwise direction, viewing Figures 2 and 11 of the drawings, the exible tensioning element I1 will be wound around the winding drum in a direction to draw the rod I9 in a direction to actuate the brake rigging and cause the brakes to be applied. The drum-driving gear |46 is drivingly associated with a pinion |59, mounted between the upper portions of the frame elements 29 and 3|. The pinion |59 is preferably formed as a part of an integral element I6I, which is journalled for rotation at its opposite ends in the openings 4| and 13 of the frame elements 29 and 3|, suitable bushings being inserted in said openings to form bearings for said rotatable element. The rotatable element |6I is also preferably formed with an integral ratchet portion |63 adjacent the pinion |59 in position to register with a pawl |61 comprising a fitting rotatably mounted on a shaft |69 journalled for rotation at its opposed ends in the perforation 42 of the element 29 and the perforation 14 of the element 3|. The shaft |69 has an end of non-circular configuration projecting outwardly of the casing through the openings 14 and |44 and a paWl-actuating handle |1| is mounted on said projecting end to provide for turning the shaft. The pawl |61 has a. tip adapted to engage the ratchet |63, the weight of the pawl being utilized to normally urge. the tip into engagement with said ratchet.

In order to raise the pawl from ratchet engaging position, the shaft |69 carries a collar fixed thereon and having a paWl-raising finger |15 adapted normally to underlie the pawl when the handle is in the position illustrated in Figure 3. If the handle I1! is moved in a counter' Viro-faite tion of the pawl and force the same out of engagement with the ratchet. The rotatable element |6| has a shank |11, projecting through openings 13 and |43, and on which is mounted the hand wheel I5, so that by turning the hand wheel, the ratchet |63, as well as the pinion |59, may be rotated. The pawl |61, when in'engagement with the ratchet, normally prevents the rotatable element |6| from turning in a counterclockwise direction, viewing Figure 2, so that after the brakes have been tensioned, the pawl "will hold the apparatus in brake-tensioning position. To release the brake, it is only necessary to move the handle |1| in a counter-clockwise direction, viewing Figures 2 and 11, in order to release the pawl, whereupon the back tension exerted by the brakes on the chain I1 will cause the winding drum and gear |46 to rotate in a clockwise direction and impart a counter-clockwise rotation to the element |6I, viewing Figures 2 and 11. As soon as the brakes are released, the handle |1| may be returned to the position shown in Figures 2 and 11, permitting the pawl |61 to lagain engage the ratchet. Thereafter, in order to tension the brakes, it is merely necessary to manipulate the hand wheel in order to turn the element |6| ina clockwise direction, viewing Figures 2 and 11. the pawl and ratchet and causes the pinion |59 to drive the gear |46 and with it the winding drum |45 in a counter-clockwise direction, view- .ing Figures 2 and 1l, with the result that the chain is wound around the drum and causes the brakes to be tensioned as heretofore described.

Movement of the pawl |61 in a counter-clockwise direction, viewing Figures 2 and 11, is limited in the formshown in Figures 1 through 10 by one of the offset leg portions 9|. In the form shown 4in Figures 11 through 19, however, a projecting finger |19 is formed on the frame 3| in position to lie in the path of movement of the pawl in order to limit the ratchet releasing movement thereof.

The embodiment, shown in Figures 1 through 10, comprises a brake construction suiliciently powerful for ordinary purposes. The embodiment illustrated in Figures 11 through 19 discloses a heavy duty brake mechanism adapted for use where high brake tensioning capacity is necessary, as, for instance, on unusually heavy cars. It will be noted that in order to increase the tension, applicable to the element I1, in response to a given turning movement applied to the handle I5, the gear |46 in the embodiment shown in Figures 11 through 19 is of larger diameter than the corresponding gear in the mechanism shown in Figures 1 through 10. In order to provide an enclosed mechanism embodying the larger gear While maintaining uniform spacement between the rivet openings 81 and 95, which spacement is a railroad standard, I have, in the higher powered construction, enlarged the casing portions IUI and |03 and the frame elements 29 and 3| and have arranged the feet 93 so as to extend inwardly instead of outwardly as is the case in the lower powered mechanism.

It will be noted that the openings 81 in both embodiments are easily accessible for the attachment of fastening elements and that the openings in the lower powered construction are also readily accessible. In the high power brake construction, however, the openings 95 are enclosed Within the casing and I have consequently formed an opening |8| in the arms 19 and 8| of Such movement is permitted by the frame 3| of the high power brake. These 75 The lower corners of both forms may be secured on a wall of the car -I3 by means of bolts |81 or other fastening members extending through openings in the car wall and through the openings 81. AThe upper corners oi.' thevlow power brake tensioning mechanism may be secured in similar fashion. The upper portions of the high power brake mechanism, however, are secured by means of bolts |89 or similar fastening members of suicient length to penetrate not only the openings 95 vbut also the openings |8| as clearly shown in Figures 13, 18, and 19,

so that portions of .the fastening member |89 extend within the housing. It is also desirable to apply spacing washersy |9| between the frame element '29 and the gear wall on which it is attachedand these washers may be of suitable thickness, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, in order to permit the brake-tensioning mechanism to `be mounted in proper alignment on the wall no matter what its conilguration.

I do 'not herein claim the particular tensioning mechanism per se since the same forms the subject matter of my co-pending application, Serial Number 711,155, filed February 14, 1934, but I do claim the novel features of the mechanism housing and support and the mechanism in combination with the housing and support.

The construction of the mechanism housing and support is extremely vsimple and facilitates assembly of the device. Moreover, the frame, in which the elements" of the "mechanism are carried, has unusual strength and rigidity and yet is inexpensive to manufacture; and the casing, in conjunction with the frame, is adequatei ly strong to protect the winding mechanism from the deleterious eiects ofthe weather and from other damage, although 'the casing itself is of light material and of simple, relatively inexpensive construction.

It is thought that the invention and numerous of its attendant advantages will `be understood from the foregoing description, and it is obvious that numerous changes maybe made in the form, constructionr and arrangement of the various parts, without departing from the spirit or scope of my invention and without sacriiicing any of its attendantadvantages, the forms herein described being merely for the purpose of illustrating the' invention, and I do not desire to limit the invention in any way to the particular construction shown.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is as follows:

1. In a brake operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mountingy comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, and means comprising a pair of co-operating housing portions, carried by said frame, in position to form an enclosure for .the winding mechanism.

-2. In a brake operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame meanspproviding spaced portions, by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, and means forming an enclosure for the winding mechanism on the frame,

said frame means comprising metallic castings and said enclosure comprising co-operating casing portions of sheet metal.

3. In a brake operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions, by and betweenl which said winding mechanism is carried, and means forming an enclosure for the winding mechanism on the frame. said frame means comprising a. pair of co-operating elements and saidv enclosure comprising a housing element clampingly secured by and between said frame elements.

4. In a brake operating mechanismthe combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions, by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, and means forming an enclosure for the winding mechanism on the frame, said frame means comprising a pair of co-operating elements, and said enclosure comprising cooperating housing elements at least one of which is clampingly secured by and between said frame elements.

5? In a brake operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions, by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, and means forming an enclosure for the winding mechanism on the frame,

vcomprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions, by and between which said winding mechanism is carried. and housing means co-operatively associated with said frame means-to enclose the back as well as the front of said mechanism, said frame means comprising a pair of spaced portions, and said winding mechanism comprising a winding drum, drum driving means comprising an actuating pinion and drum holding means comprising a pawl and a ratchet drivingly connected with said pinion, and wherein said cooperating i'rame portions have registering perforations therein forming support means for shafts on which said winding4 drum, driving pinion, and holding pawl are carried.

'1. In a brake operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions, by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, and housing means co-operatively associated with said frame means to enclose the back as well as the front of said mechanism, said frame comprising co-operating elements each having a central portion and projections extending outwardly from said central portion, the corresponding projections of said elements being connected together at their extremities and the projections of at least one of said elements being oiset whereby to maintain the forming an enclosure for the winding me'cahnisml on the frame,

said frame comprising a pair of (zo-operating elements and said casing comprising a pair of co-operating portions, one of which is secured by and between the frame elements, and a second casing portion carried entirely by one .of the frame portions, said casing portions having interfltting flanges whereby when the parts are assembled said casing portions co-operate to form a weather tight closure for the winding mechanism carried by and between said frame portions.

9. In a brake operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions, by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, and housing means co-operatively associated with said frame means to enclose the back as well as the front of said mechanism, said enclosure comprising al cover element secured on said frame and readily removable in order to facilitate inspection of or repairs to the winding mechanism.

10. In a brake operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions, by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, and housing means co-operatively associated with said frame means to enclose the back as well as the front of said mechanism, said winding mechanism comprising a rotatable element joumalled on an axle carried by and between said spaced frame members, and the axle co-operates with at least one of said frame members to prevent rotation of the axle in the frame.

11. In a brake operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism'of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions, by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, and housing means co-operatively associated with said frame means to enclose the back as well as the front of said mechnism, said winding mechanism comprising a rotatable element journalled on an axle carried by and between said spaced frame members, and one of the frame members co-operates with said axle to prevent longitudinal movement of the axle in one direction, said other frame member being formed to permit withdrawal of the axle therethrough whereby to permit removal of the rotatable element carried by said axle from the assembly.

12. In a brake operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions, by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, and means forming an enclosure for 'the winding mechanism on the frame, said enclosure comprising a shell-like portion removably mounted on said frame, said Winding mechanism comprising a rotatable element journalled on anI axle carried by and between said spaced frame portions, and one of the frame portions co-operate with said axle to prevent longitudinal movement of the axle in one direction, said other frame portion being formed to permit withdrawal of the axle therethrough whereby to permit removal of the rotatable element carried by said axle from the assembly, and

one of said shell portions beingnormally carried in position to prevent withdrawal of the axle.

13. In a brake operating mechanism, the commechanism is carried, and means forming an enclosure for the winding mechanism on the frame, said enclosure comprising a cover and said frame and cover being formed with cooperating lugs adapted to interengage to hold the cover on the 5 frame, and fastening means to secure said cover on the frame at a place remote from said interengaging lugs whereby the cover may be removed from its mounted position on the frame by merely disconnecting the fastening means and disengagin'g said lugs.

14. In a brake-operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions, by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, said rigid frame being of skeletal construction and adapted for ,attachment on a vehicle in a substantially permanent manner, and cover means on said frame and forming a weather-excluding enclosure for the winding mechanism, said cover means being readily removable to allow inspection or the mechanism.

15. In a brake operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced 25 portions by -and between which said winding .mechanism is carried, said rigid frame being oi mechanism. 35

16. In a brake operating mechanism, the combination-with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions by and between -which said winding mechanism is carried, said rigid frame being of` skeletal construction and adapted for attachment on a vehicle in a substantially permanent manner, and means on and operatively associated with said frame to form a weather excluding enclosure for the winding mechanism comprising a cover element mounted on said frame in position to enclose the front of said mechanism, said cover being readily removable to permit inspection of the mechanism, and a housing element on said frame in position to enclose the back of said mechanism.

17. In a brake operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising. rigid frame means providing spaced portions by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, said rigid frame being of skeletal construction and adapted for attachment on a vehicle in a-substantially permanent manner, and means on` and operatively associated with said frame to i'orm a weather excluding enclosure for the winding mechanism comprising a cover on and co-operatively associated with said frame in position to enclose the front and at least a portion of 'the sides of said mechanism, said cover being removable to permit inspection oi.' the mechanism, and a housing element secured on G5 said frame in position to enclose the back of said winding mechanism.

18. In a brake operating mechanism, the cornbination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting l comprising rigid frame means providing spaced 70 portions by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, said rigid frame being of skeletal construction and adapted for attachment on a 4vehicle in a substantially permanent manner, and cover means on and co-operatively associated with said frame to form a weather excluding enclosure for the winding mechanism, said cover having portions overlying the front of said winding mechanism and marginal edges oiiset in position enclosing the sides of said mechanism, portions of said frame co-operating with said offset edges to support the same, said cover being removable from said frame to permit inspection of the mechanism.

19. In a brake operating mechanism, the combination, with Winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, said rigid frame being of skeletal construction and adapted for attachment on a vehicle in a substantially permanent manner, means on and operatively associated with said frame to form a weather excluding enclosure for the winding mechanism comprising cover means on said frame in position to enclose,

the front of said mechanism and readily removable to allow inspection of the mechanism, and a back plate secured on said frame in substantially permanent fashion to enclose the back of said mechanism.

20. In a'brake-operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid' frame means providing spaced portions, by and between which said Winding mechanism is carried, said Vrigid frame being of skeletal construction and adapted for attach- 'ment on a vehicle in a substantially permanent ,mannen cover means cofoperatively associated with the frame means to form a weather-excluding housing enclosing the back as well as Vthe front of said mechanism and fastening means forsecuring the cover means on said frame, said fastening means being readily operable to release the cover means and permit removal of the same from the frame whereby topermit inspection of the mechanism without removing the frame from vehicle mounted position.

21. In a brake-operating mechanism, the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions, by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, said rigid frame vbeing of skeletal construction and adapted for attachment on a vehicle in a substantially permarient manner, cover means co-operatively associated with the frame means to form a weatherexcluding housing enclosing the back as well as the front of said mechanism and fastening means for securing the cover means on said frame, said fastening means being readily operableI to release the cover means and permit removal of the same from the frame, said removable cover means, when mounted,havingl co-operating relationship with a part of said mechanism to retain same in mounted position in said frame and when dismounted releasing said part to permit removal of elements of said mechanism from the frame for inspection or repair and replacement without removing the frame from vehicle-mounted position.

22; In a brake-operating mechanism, the combination,'with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providing spaced portions, by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, said rigid frame being of skeletal construction and adapted for attachment on a, vehicle in a substantially permanent manner, cover means co-operativel'y associated with the frame means to form a weather-excluding housing enclosing the back as well as the front of said mechanism and fastening means forsecuring the cover means on said frame, said fastening means being readily operable to release the cover means and permit removal of the same from the frame, said winding mechanism com- -prising shaft means supported in said spaced frame portions and a rotatable winding element on said shaft, said removable cover means when mounted havingv co-operating relationship with said shaft means to retain same in mounted position in said frame and when dismounted releasing said shaft means to permit removal lof said winding element from the frame for inspection or repair and replacement without removing the frame from vehicle mounted position.

23. A brake operating unit adapted for substantially permanent mounting on -a vehicle and comprising the combination, with winding mechanism, of a frame comprising spaced frame por-` tions by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, said mounting affording means movable without disturbing the winding mechanism and without dismounting the unit from the vehicle.

241. A brake operating unit adapted Afor substantially permanent mounting onl a vehicle and comprising the combination, with winding mechanism, of a mounting comprising rigid frame means providingspaced portions by and between which said winding mechanism is carried, and housing means carried by and co-operatively associated with said frame means in position to form an enclosure for the back as well asthe front of the Winding mechanism at least a portion of the housing being readily movable to permit inspection of the winding mechanism without disturbing the same or dismounting thev unit from the vehicle.

25. A brake operating unit adapted for substantially permanent mounting on a vehicle and anism, including a -winding drum, of a mounting for said mechanism comprising rigid frame means of the unit from the vehicle, and said cover, when in mounted position, overlying and enclosing at4 least the front of said winding mechanism.

ARTHUR F. oACoNNoR.

comprising the combination, with winding mechturbing the same or dismounting the remainder. 

